Ayrshire Cancer Support launch #Home4Cancer

Fundraising drive to sustain local lifeline for those affected by cancer

A charity that provides a lifeline for local people affected by cancer has launched a £750,000 fundraising campaign to create a centre offering free life-saving care after announcing that its current facility will close.



Ayrshire Cancer Support has initiated the appeal as its current centre in Ayr’s Wellington Square was deemed no longer fit for purpose as local demands grows for free cancer-related services.



The centre is used by patients throughout South Ayrshire and parts of East Ayrshire undergoing treatment for cancer, and offers a range of life saving and palliative support services – all completely free. An improved facility could be based on the charity’s successful centre in Kilmarnock.



In a review of their facilities, Ayrshire Cancer Support identified a number of necessary improvements to the current centre, including better wheelchair access, improvements to therapy rooms, and easier on-street parking for users. Following a break-in to the premises last year, the police security liaison team advised of several modifications that would prove costly for the charity to implement.



Sandra McCall, Ayrshire Cancer Support CEO, said: “Three years ago, we created our new space in Kilmarnock, which boasts a drop-in centre, counselling and therapy rooms and our transport hub. Circumstances have dictated that we either close our operations in Ayr or look to find funding to create a beautiful new home which is as welcoming as our new Kilmarnock centre. I’m sure our presence would sorely be missed but I am confident the public will get behind us and help to organise fundraising events to help make our dream a reality. Almost everyone has been touched by cancer in one way or another.”



The Wellington Square facility has been placed on the market at offers over £100,000. Proceeds from the sale of the building will be directed towards the purchase of a new, accessible, bright and friendly support centre in or around Ayr. It is estimated that a sum in the region of £750,000 will be required to purchase and adapt a suitable building.



An online fundraising page has been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/fund-new-ayrshire-cancer-support-home Anyone interested in helping to fundraise to save Ayr’s Cancer Centre should contact the fundraising team on 01292 269888.



Sandra McCall continued: “We are literally a lifeline to many Ayrshire people who have been diagnosed with cancer or are dealing with the effects of a cancer diagnosis on someone they care for. We are the only charity that operates across the whole of Ayrshire that provides transport to hospital treatment for someone with a diagnosis. Without this service many people would not be able to travel to hospital – usually in Glasgow, and would not get access to treatment that saves or prolongs their lives. We undertake around 15,000 journeys every year. People mistakenly believe the ambulance transport service would transport patients to hospital – but this is not usually the case. Similarly, there is no other charity that provides face-to-face confidential counselling with fully trained-counsellors – the NHS currently have a waiting list of over 18 months to access this service. We can provide the necessary care for people who are struggling to cope with a diagnosis or are recently bereaved. Our therapists also offer relief from cancer symptoms and its treatment through complementary therapies. We work very closely with NHS Ayrshire and Arran, and provide services in Ayr Hospital oncology wards. Despite trying, we receive no Government or NHS funding to run our centres – so it’s up to us to continue to raise the funds to ensure the people of South Ayrshire and the surrounding area with cancer have the best possible opportunity of a positive outcome.”